Cauliflower Cheddar Casserole
A creamy cauliflower casserole with melted cheddar, savory bread crumbs, and fresh parsley, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks that love hearty, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 slightly beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup snipped parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped pimento ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon instant minced onion ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen cauliflower ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the condensed cream of celery soup, milk, and slightly beaten eggs in a bowl.
- Stir in half of the shredded Cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, parsley, pimento, minced onion, salt, and pepper.
- Chop the frozen cauliflower into small pieces and stir into the soup mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a 10 x 6 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. If you don't have frozen cauliflower, fresh cauliflower florets can be used; just steam them before adding. For a twist, try substituting the Cheddar cheese with Gruyère or a blend of cheeses. You can also enhance the flavor by incorporating garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This Cauliflower Cheddar Casserole is a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled fish. It can also be served with a fresh salad for a light meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Aunt Eva's Corn Pudding for a comforting, homestyle dinner. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cauliflower Cheddar Casserole contains roughly 399 calories, with 16g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1708mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a sharp blue cheese for a different taste. Just keep in mind that the melting properties may vary slightly.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cauliflower Cheddar Casserole is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. It can be a great addition to vegetarian recipes, providing a hearty and satisfying option for those looking to enjoy a meatless meal.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).